VietNamNet Bridge - The Government has approved in principle the establishment of two new districts in Hanoi, said Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, Director of the Legislation Department of the Hanoi People's Council.

Tu Liem (pink) borders Tay Ho and Dong Anh (north), Thanh Tri and Ha Dong (south), Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan and Tay Ho (east) and Hoai Duc and Dan Phuong (west).

Nam said Tu Liem district will be divided into two districts, with 23 wards. The Hanoi People's Council will consider the separation in its year-end session on December 2-6. However, the names of the districts will be decided by the local people.

"The split has been long prepared by Hanoi. The responsibility of the People’s Council under the law is expressing the people’s opinions. We will ask the Government to make an official decision on this issue," said Mr. Le Van Hoat, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Council.

With over half a million people, Tu Liem is the most populous district in Hanoi. There are also many universities, colleges and new urban areas in this district.

Tu Liem district was established in 1961 on the basis of District 5, District 6 and a number of communes of Hoai Duc and Dan Phuong districts of the former Ha Tay province. The district consists of one town and 15 communes and has an area of 75km2 and a population of over 550,000.

Also during the upcoming session, the Hanoi People’s Council will consider the city’s socio-economic, security and defense tasks, the total budget settlement in 2012, land prices in 2014, and other important programs.

Vice Chair of the Hanoi People’s Council – Mr. Le Van Hoat said this year Hanoi is in big trouble because its budget revenue is nearly VND11 trillion ($524 million) less than the yearly plan.

The reason is economic downturn, many businesses operating inefficiently so the city has to delay collection of the land use fees. Thus, the city has to practice thrift through canceling the construction of the offices of many state agencies and restricting the purchase of public cars.

Le Ha